Guitarist Malone Gets a Chance to Display His Skills, Versatility

Guitarist Russell Malone has been visible in the past few years primarily as an integral element in Diana Krall’s trio. Vital as an accompanist, an occasional soloist and a whimsical, interactive presence, he has played an important role in Krall’s emergence as a major artist.

Malone always has been regarded by other musicians as a significant jazz player in his own right. But, despite a brief outing at Columbia Records in which his two albums were more successful musically than commercially, his career has never really broken out.

On Friday night at Steamers Cafe in Fullerton, Malone--in the area for an appearance at the International Jazz Educators Conference--played a set that once again raised the question of why he has not yet attracted the attention of a wider audience. Working before a sold-out crowd that was as attentive as it was enthusiastic, Malone was superb.

What became immediately clear was the fact that Malone can play just about anything he wants to on the guitar. Rapid-fingered and fleet on an opening up-tempo number, he was jaunty and humorous on a romp through the theme from “The Odd Couple.” He then revealed a pair of results from his continuing search for new material, blending “The Heather on the Hill” (from “Brigadoon”) with the theme from “Alfie.”

Malone’s chording in the slower numbers was lovely, reminiscent at times of the lush harmonies once employed by Johnny Smith. And his soloing on middle tempos grooved with a down-home drive recalling Wes Montgomery. But these associations were only by inference. Malone’s great strength is his ability to synthesize influences from a variety of sources and produce results that are always his own, abundantly filled with the sound of his own creative voice.

For the many conference attendees in the audience, it was a valuable opportunity to hear one of the most talented and far too little-heard (at least in his own group) performers in jazz. And for Malone, the exposure will hopefully begin to spread the word that will bring him the attention his talent deserves.